Crystal Guardian of the Five Worlds

By H. D. Bobb

A science fiction thriller! The five known worlds are headed for war. A Dictator has placed mind control crystals in the hands of leaders on all five worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H D Bobb Jr
• Release date: Nov 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798868973468

Book preview

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Table of Contents

The Beginning- Chapter 1

Elmonk L. Gadd-Chapter 2

Earth- Chapter 3

Chicago-Chapter 4

The Altar Room-Chapter 5

Dinner Party –Chapter 6

The Lessons-Chapter 7

Training-Chapter 8

Terres- Chapter 9

Hydros-Chapter 10

Mall of America- Chapter 11

Oblivion-Chapter 12

The Lab Base-Chapter 13

Death of Gadd-Chapter 14

Vandor- Chapter 15

Carolee-Chapter 16

Council of Elders-Chapter 17

Carolee’s Parents- Chapter 18

Traitor-Chapter 19

Wall Crystals-Chapter 20

Spaceport-Chapter 21

The Grand Plan- Chapter 22

Flora Saved- Chapter 23

Ortang and the MuTu-Chapter 24

Attack on Athenia- Chapter 25

The Duel of Wizards- Chapter 26

Prologue



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The Beginning- Chapter 1

The storm raged on the surface. Waves rose and fell fifty feet. Lightning crackled across the sky, and the wind blew at near hurricane strength. Below the surface of this water planet known as Hydros, deep in the bowels of this planet far away from the nearest civilization, a spiritual process was taking place that would change the direction of life on this and four other planets that as of yet was unrelated.

The ancient rituals were still being done out of tradition. One such ritual required the leader of the tribe of Poseidon's in the region to trek to the grove as it was called, annually. He would play a certain chorus and the plants would dance to the music, following this ritual the leader would grasp one of the plants leaves and communicate telepathically with it for instructions of what should be done in the next season. The plants communicated with pictures rather than words. It was thought some type of drug was used prior to the ceremony.

The new leader, Ortang, dressed in ceremonial garb, recited the incantations while hundreds of his fellow Poseidon's watched with reverence, as the ceremony was broadcast to the entire planet. Once the proper words had been spoken, he opened a golden jar and removed a green leaf. He held it up in the currents for all to see. Then he placed it in his mouth and began chewing the juice from its leaves. A group of twenty small whale type creatures approached and began singing a chorus of whale songs. As the chorus sang the Plant creatures began to sway.

The MuTu were a unique ancient creature. They were part plant, part Poseidon and part living crystal. From a distance they looked like a field of amber colored plants underwater. As you got closer, the field was more vibrant, almost glowing. The plants or whatever they were, moved with the currents of the ocean. They were twenty to thirty feet high from the surrounding ocean floor. The base of sand or rock that they grew out of, was a light purple color. It supplied a pedestal that extended for over an acre. Wherever the ocean floor was that light purple color grew the wheat looking sea plant. They danced with the currents. There were hundreds of groves of plant-like creatures around the planet’s floor. The amazing thing was that they thought as one creature. Each stalk was like a neuron in a greater brain. They communicated telepathically with each stalk and with the Poseidons on special occasions. This amazing means of communication is what originally made the Poseidons believe the MuTu were some types of gods. As the planet aged and the species matured, they became more aware that the MuTu were an incredibly unique creature not a god. But the reverence for them continued.

Ortang, still chewing the leaf, approached the plant and grasped a stalk. The images from the MuTu took him by surprise. The colors were vibrant, and the images moved quickly. They showed Ortang a terrible crisis coming. The MuTu had many times been capable of telling the future. The information flowed into Ortang like water into a glass. After several moments he held as much as he could, he let go of the plant creature and staggered back away from it. The images burned into his mind. Death and destruction were everywhere. Cities he had helped build had been destroyed. Comrades and loved ones he had watched blown to bits before his eyes as the MuTu had implanted the images. What did it all mean? How could the evil Gadd conduct this kind of destruction despite the alliance? What were these new flying aircraft he had seen the Gaddmen attacking with? Who was the young Athenian man they had shown to him? He must return to his ship and meditate on the images and what they meant.

Ortang left the ceremony deeply saddened by what had been shown to him and yet hopeful that there may be a savior for their worlds. The spectators were startled at Ortang’s reaction to his revelations. Typically, the leader would give a brief synopsis of what the MuTu had foretold after the reading. On this occasion Ortang only gave a small reply. The MuTu have foretold war coming to us from the evil Elmonk Gadd. We must redouble our efforts to prepare for our defense.  His command ship, known as the Oblivion, was close by. It was a huge submarine of sorts, very technologically advanced, and outfitted with the most devastating weapons the Poseidons had at their disposal.

After returning to Oblivion and removing the ceremonial garb, Ortang summoned his Athenian advisor. His name was Ramon Sarsep, and he was incredibly old. Ramon’s bloodline had served as rulers on the planet Athenia for hundreds of years.

The Athenians were the original developers of crystal technology. Crystals had transformed life as they knew it. They had shared the technology with the Poseidons many years ago and it changed their lives dramatically. The crystals supplied unlimited food, power, and allowed for transportation between the two planets via interworld doorways that they were capable of opening. These doorways allowed rapid transport between the two worlds without entering space.

Ramon entered the library where Ortang was writing down the list of images that the MuTu had projected into his brain. Ortang looked up from his computer terminal, Ramon please sit down, I have some distressing news to share with you. 

Ramon Sarsep was tall but stooped over, with white hair and a long white beard. He was dressed in blue robes with a gold sash. The old man had piercing blue eyes and was extremely agile for his age. As he sat down in the chair provided, he realized just how upset Ortang was. What is it Ortang you look terribly shaken?

The MuTu have just shown me the future of our worlds, and our future is world- wide destruction. Gadd will be the end of us all if one man does not come to our aid. The MuTu have shown him to me, and he looked like he was of Athenian heritage, but I got the feeling he was not from your world. The MuTu showed a man with a halo surrounding him. In his right hand he held a multicolored staff, he could wield. Just as Gadd had used his for evil, this young man would use his power staff for good and the MuTu called him the Crystal Guardian Ortang concluded as he closed his computer terminal.

What does it mean Ortang? How could Gadd cause both our worlds that kind of catastrophe?  Ramon asked.

It means that the MuTu have given us two things to hope for. The first is that for the first time in our recorded history they are wrong, or we are to wait for this savior to make an appearance. If they are correct in this, we will all suffer much before his arrival. The images of planetary destruction at Gadd’s hand, is only a sample of what it would be like to live under his rule.

The merman got up from where he was sitting and paced to a large oval window looking out onto the sea. He was an impressive example of the Poseidon race. The Poseidon had a bluish green complexion, a large mouth, and gills to the side where ears should have been. He walked upright on two flippers like feet and stood all of seven feet tall with the fins on his head. He wore a large medallion around his neck and a braided fabric in bright red around his waist to his thighs.

Ortang how are we to find this young man, and how is he going to be able to make such a difference in the outcome of this world-wide destruction the MuTu are predicting?  Ramon asked.

Well, if they are correct in this prediction, we will suffer much before this Guardian appears, and excuse me if I am a little doubtful of one man being able to make this kind of global difference. I witnessed Gadd’s aircraft destroying every surface installation on Hydros, and Ramon I saw the Hall of Prophets on Athenia destroyed as well! Ortang stated with horror in his voice.

Ramon stood and walked to the Poseidon leader and placed his hand on his back and said, Let me remind you how much of a difference one man made at Bormedly Reef. That one man was you Ortang, and without that young warrior your people would already bow and scrape to Gadd. You are one man who was effective, and your people are grateful to you because of it. The MuTu now tell you another will come to all our aid, and they have shown you what he looks like. You will know him when he appears.

Ortang nodded and realized Ramon was right, Thank you Ramon, I pray that you and the MuTu are correct. It will be hard to endure the people’s suffering while we wait for this guardian to appear. Why must this evil dictator cause so much pain and destruction to our two worlds? What does Gadd want from all of us? Is power and killing all he thinks of?

Ramon walked back toward the chair he had been sitting in, Ortang surely you realize that Gadd is unbalanced. When he succeeded in layer matching the crystals in his power staff years ago, it did something to him in the bonding process. He is the only Athenian to ever carry out the task, and the authorities tried to take the proper responses to control him. But he came unhinged when he released the power of the crystal staff. It bent his mind to thinking he was God like, and not a benevolent god but a warring god. He feels he must extract revenge for the lack of respect we showed him when he was young. He was cautioned not to use his powers when he was too young to realize their importance. His tutors warned him of the bonding process. Cautioned him to go slow. But he resented that caution and took it as a lack of respect. Gradually it ate at him, and he turned inward with hate and revenge in his heart and mind. Since those first days of revolt, conquest is all that he has thought about. He was born a freak of nature and until another freak of nature is born or we invent a superior weapon we will be at war with him. But Ortang now there is hope. You speak of the MuTu predicting a Guardian to come to our rescue, which gives us hope. We only have to fear Gadd finding him before we do?

Oh my god Ramon, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. What if Gadd gets to him before he knows his purpose here? Who will protect him and teach him?  Ortang was pacing again.

What else did they tell you about the Guardian, Ortang, how will we know him? Ramon asked.

They showed him to me wearing a gold cape over his shoulders that looked like liquid gold. He was wearing some type of body armor. He had a halo all around him, and in his right hand he held a multi-colored staff. He was young and fair haired, with Athenian looks, mostly the pointed ears. I will know him you can be sure.  Ortang was staring into the ocean depths as he described the future guardian of their worlds.

Ramon stood again and placed his hand over his heart and said, Ortang your people have always trusted the foretelling of the MuTu. We will now have to trust in their prediction and until he makes his presence known we will have to do our best to beat Gadd at every turn. The best defense is still a good offense. Perhaps taking out the Gaddmen installation in the Farren Islands is the next move, eh Ortang!

You may be right Ramon. We have been playing it safe for a long time. Building our offensive capabilities. It is time to evict the Gaddmen from our planet. Perhaps? Ortang was deep in thought as Ramon excused himself from the room to let the leader think in private what the next step would be.

Above on the planet surface the tropical storm continued to rage and Ortang had trouble not matching his emotion to it. He found his peace in remembering Bormedly Reef City. There probably was not a more beautiful area in the galaxy. The city rested on and was a part of a multicolored reef that covered several hundred square miles. Parts of the city were underwater and some above. The architecture above the water line evoked grace and delicacy in the lines of the buildings and transportation systems. The reef was situated in the western ocean in an area that had a swift warm current in the waters. This current made for a thriving reef and helped the city to power itself. The underwater architecture was a variety of globes and domes and interconnecting tubes for transportation. Ortang visualized it like it was still there. Then he remembered how it looked after the Gaddmen destroyed it and the millions of his people who had lived there. Those people had included his family.

Yes, perhaps the time has come for Hydros to be Gaddmen free!  Ortang thought. He walked over to the communications module on the wall and pressed the switch. "Attention Commander Frakan

Over the speaker Ortang heard the commander respond, Yes sir.

I want you to commence project Farren Islands at once.  Ortang said with authority.

There was a pause and then the commander said, I will see to it that the aircraft are launched right away. The stealth ships are already near the islands and in position. The divers will set their charges and we should be able to converge in less than two bells.  Behind the commander’s voice Ortang could hear the cheers from the other crew members as they heard the orders.

Very good Commander, keep me posted on your progress.  Ortang flipped the switch off and walked back to the window looking out on the peaceful ocean depths. Now, let them know what it is to be surprised and shown no mercy he thought. The thought of no Gaddmen on Hydros really appealed to him suddenly. In a brief time, he would know if they had succeeded

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Elmonk L. Gadd-Chapter 2

The royalty at court waited for his arrival. They were all dressed in their very finest clothes. The hall was draped in gold and red silk draperies. Musicians played their harps and violins, and the drummer strummed gently on a drum. They had been waiting some time. But that was common for the Almighty Gadd.

He was so busy seeing to the cause that often people had to wait to be in his presence. Gadd the provider, Gadd the all-knowing. He looked after the people and led the way.

The great gilded doors of gold that made the entrance to the hall swung open. Trumpets entered and announced he was coming, six of his personal guard entered and stood aside in two groups of three. They were dressed in their jet-black uniforms with the lightning bolt insignia stitched over their chest and over each arm. They wore their silver dress capes and were of course holding weapons at the ready. They formed a path for him to enter by. As he came into view, he made a stunning entrance. He was dressed in robes of deep purple with a broad gold sash, shiny black boots that disappeared beneath his fur overcoat.

Of course, the most striking feature about Elmonk Gadd, was the coal black hair down to his shoulders, with a pure white streak that parted his hair on the right side of his head. His face was showing the lines of age, and his cheeks were a little rounder than in his younger years. The white streak was caused as he learned to master the power staff and bonded to it; he had created it when he was a young man. That was his source of magic and mystery. He could do amazing things with it. Why, he had even created the Citadel with it. In a single thought he had brought it into being. Afterwards he had to rest a week from the strain it caused or so the story went.

He was the only one to ever stand up against the Council of Elders on Athenia. A city at once sprang up around the Citadel. The People of Gaddway worshipped the Almighty Gadd. He had taught them to use crystals. The crystals supplied food, clothing, even shelter, and he supplied them to all who would follow him. Especially the yellow, green, and red striped ones. Music came out of them. The music made you feel wonderful and made you really appreciate what the Almighty Gadd had done for the people. Sometimes they even played music over systems built around the town. That way the people always felt good. It was mind control of the masses, perfect for his plans.

Elmonk Gadd strolled forward in strong strides, carrying the staff in his right hand. He climbed the steps to his throne, turned and sat down facing his audience. They all at once bowed and waited for him to speak. Send in the first one, Gadd commanded. Two guards entered dragging a large man in chains. The higher ranking of the two guards dropped his load and bowed to the Almighty Gadd.

This slug is charged with destroying his Pleasure Crystal. He is depriving his family of its pleasure and comfort. What would the Great Gadd have us do with him? And what of his family? the armed guard finished.

Elmonk Gadd sat and thought a moment, deliberating the fate of the large quivering mass thrown at his feet. How dare you destroy my gift to your family. What defense do you give? Gadd hissed.

The man quivering at Gadd’s feet looked up and said with defiance, It was evil and addicting, they must be destroyed and so must you! The man jumped up quicker than you would have thought possible and lunged for Gadd.

Before the man had moved a foot, Gadd grasped the staff and directed his thoughts at the man moving towards him. Instantly a blue light blazed from the cobalt crystal of his staff and expanded from it to the man. The man’s face showed an expression of extreme fear, right before he was instantly frozen by absolute zero cold. In hardly a breath, and a heartbeat, Gadd directed another thought at the frozen body and released it through the yellow crystal of his staff and the man’s body exploded apart from the sonic waves sent into it. Gadd was the only one in the room that was not surprised by the bits of body pieces that blasted across the room.

Are there any other petitioners today Amoth? Gadd said in less than a friendly manner.

Amoth Weld was the Prime Minister of Gaddway, and Gadd’s right-hand henchman. Amoth approached the throne and bowed gracefully and said Yes, my Lord Gadd, the Lady Autree of Antara begs for an audience. Shall I send her away or show her in?

Gadd stood up rubbing his chin for a moment. What is the Lady Autree wearing today Amoth? Gadd asked in a lechery tone.

Amoth wiped the perspiration from his forehead and whispered She is wearing a lowcut red dress I believe my Lord. I think you would appreciate the family jewels she is displaying as well.

Well then show the Lady in Amoth, we must not keep a regal lady waiting. Gadd made a sweeping gesture with his arm and sat back down on his throne.

Lady Autree was the disempowered ruler of a large island nation to the west called Antara. Her family had ruled the island nation for four hundred years. That is until Gadd had destroyed their army and navy five years ago. Then Gadd raped and executed her Queen mother, while he forced the young girl to watch. As a consolation prize Gadd placed her on the throne to rule. He did not allow her to make any important decisions. He had made it clear to her that she ruled as a whim to him.

Part of this cat and mouse game Gadd played with her was because she was beautiful, and of course a viper. She had somehow been able to resist the pleasure crystal suggestions Gadd had given her. He would eventually add her to his stable of concubines. Just the thought of that proud head servicing him gave him an erection. If she were good at it, he thought, maybe he would allow her to carry his offspring.

The Lady Autree entered the hall with a regal walk and her head held high. She was dressed in a dark red velvet gown, with matching slippers. The gown had a deep plunging neckline that showed the tops of her breasts under the gem-studded necklace that bore the royal seal of her lineage. Her hair was braided in circles on top of her head making her appear to be six inches taller than she really was.

As she approached the throne a slight smile crept across the corners of her mouth. She came to an abrupt stop two feet in front of Gadd sitting on his elevated gold and gem studded throne. Her right knee bent in the tight-fitting gown, and she bowed forward with her head bent down. Gadd could not help himself from taking a good deep look down the young ruler’s dress. When Gadd’s attention rose to the woman’s face, he found her watching him with her head still bowed but looking through the tops of her eyes.

Suddenly it dawned on Gadd that the woman was flirting with him. Rise Lady Autree. What business brings you to visit with me this day? Gadd asked with emphasis on business.

My Lord, she said as she straightened her posture and smoothed out her dress, I come to tell you of a great injustice that is occurring in my province.

Continue Lady, what injustice needs my attention? Gadd inquired sarcastically.

For four hundred years my family has ruled and guided our people. The people of Antara have always taken extraordinary pride in their work and their children. Now for some reason they abandon their children and babies in the streets. The work schedules are falling further behind your quotas in the silicon mounds every day and production of techno wafers is off thirty percent. What would the almighty Gadd advise for me to do? The Lady bowed her head in servitude awaiting Gadd’s answer.

Gadd watched the woman actively looking for clues as to what she really wanted. Thinking carefully about her request for his advice he decided. This is an interesting problem you bring to me Lady Autree. It deserves further discussion in private. Please make yourself available to me at seven bells in the Private Dining Room. You may go for now!

The Lady bowed in the tight red dress and turned to leave. As she left the room none of them saw the large grin on her face. The first part of her plan was on track. She made her way to her quarters to change into something more proper for step two.

As Lady Autree left the room and the doors to the Hall slammed shut again Gadd turned to Amoth again and asked, Now, are there any other petitioners to see today.

No, my Lord that is all for today. Amoth wiped the perspiration again from his forehead.

As Elmonk Gadd stood preparing to leave the hall, the guard who had overseen the man that Gadd had destroyed spoke, And what of the man’s family Great Gadd.

Gadd stared right at the guard and strode up to him. You shall see to it personally that they are given another Pleasure Crystal. Tell them that it is a gift from me, and they are to use it daily. Also tell them that this man will not be coming back to harm them. Gadd turned and left the hall.

Those in the hall felt a surge of relief that justice again had been served. They began a gentle conversation as several servants cleaned up what was left of the man’s remains. The loyal subjects conversing did not even seem to notice the clean up taking place.

E. Gadd glided down the corridors toward his private sanctuary. Once he entered his lair deep within the Citadel and placed his power staff in its gold and silver scabbard the room leapt to life. He sealed the doors with shields. At last, he was alone and able to get some work done. The scabbard plugged the staff into a system of added crystals that Gadd had designed. Together they were like components to a bigger system. Once linked, Gadd could sift communications, direct his troops, and listen in on the Athenians and the Poseidon’s. He could spy on anyone. He had orbiting stations above each of the known worlds, always watching them for any trace of a trigger crystal’s use or any other useful information.

Interworld communication was not always dependable, but it was still the fastest way for information to travel from one world to another. Why could he not find the damn triggers, or the cache of super crystals the Athenians had developed? He had firm control of the lands that were his, thanks to the invention of the Pleasure Crystals. He was able to mass mind control while still satisfying the creature comforts of the people. They were all totally dedicated to him and happy about it. Well, most of them were anyway. The rest would be eliminated. Now that he had started exporting the crystals to the Diggers, it was only a matter of time before he could name the task and they would follow orders also. His plan of infiltrating the Vandorians with spies was on schedule as well.

After the Crystal War, Gadd had taken refuge in the mountain range near the Citadel and built a hidden lab there. Gadd called it the Fortress. He called it that partially because it was invincible and partially because his ego liked it that way. It was here that he and Amoth Weld discovered the substance in the mountain range that made the Pleasure Crystals addictive, Sitain. The Fortress was built between the mountains and only allowed access from the South. The entrance was in a crevice between the mountains. The crevice was lined with turbo laser cannons in tower configurations. They could destroy an air force without much chance of the enemy ever reaching the last shield.

A small blip on a screen nearby caught his attention. At last, a trace had lit up on the screen. Gadd got up and walked over to the device. Studying it and punching some buttons on a console, the blip got bigger. He was sure it was coming from a world known as Earth. It was a small backward planet with one moon. He smoothed back his long black hair. The Earthlings knew little about crystals, why would it be there he thought. Of course, the Athenians would go where Gadd would not think to look.

This should be easy he thought. A backward world would not be a match for his airships and weaponry. Besides perhaps they would have raw materials for crystal manufacturing. They did have several oceans, didn’t they? Then Gadd thought about the Athenians. What if this were an elaborate plot to draw Gadd to a medieval planet and then ambush him while he was looking for the crystals? Gadd thought about it for a few minutes while he tried to pinpoint the signal on the screen. Ah! The Northern Hemisphere of this world Earth.

It was time to ask the Diggers to show their sense of faith. The chiefs had been using their Pleasure Crystals now for six months. Gadd decided he would send the Diggers to fetch the trigger. Let them risk the Athenian response. Once the Diggers had flushed the crystal out and Gadd had seen the Athenian response; that would be when he made his move. This would be fun he thought and directed his attention to narrowing the search. That was when the screen went black again and the blip was gone. Damn, he thought, he had narrowed the signal to within a four-hundred-mile radius. Well, the Diggers would just have to raise a little hell. He would send a Digger assault group to terrorize the Earthlings. The Diggers were always happy to take new women for breeding stock. They could terrorize the Earthlings for a while, which should bring a hero out to defend them. When the hero did, Gadd would be ready to pounce.

Seven gentle bells rang as Gadd realized he had been in his lair longer than he had thought. Time for dinner with a beautiful guest. They could work in more than just food. He chuckled to himself as he walked out of the lair and entered the corridor heading toward the private dining room.



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Earth- Chapter 3

Matthew’s very first memory was of an older woman holding him while sitting in a rocking chair. She was singing a sad sounding song while comforting him. His parents had just been killed in an automobile accident of some type. He barely remembered them. Their names were Simon and Shelly Torrington. He had a picture of his mother holding him at the hospital after his birth.

The old woman Matt remembered was his grandmother on his mother’s side. Her name was Maria Stark, and she had been a professor at the University before she retired. She took him in when they died and raised him until her death. Matt was only nine years old and had no other surviving relatives. No other Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, or even Cousins that he knew about. There was no one to take care of him after her death.

He became a ward of the state and was sent to an orphanage. The first orphanage he was sent to had a terrible pine smell to it. Matt was very frightened and hated the smell of that place.

The Lincoln Boys Home was in DeKalb, Illinois. It was home to two hundred boys, ages 4-18. Most of them were troubled youth. Matt and the other boys under age ten were kept in a separate set of buildings apart from the older more violent boys. It was fortunate for Matt’s development that he only had to stay there for three years.

When he was twelve, he was sent to another orphanage in Rockford, Illinois. He attended public school but never really felt a part of any group, or family. Growing up was difficult, he only had the charity of others to feed and clothe him. He did not receive much affection or coddling. Matt had to learn early on that he had to look out for himself. He had to learn how to protect himself and be quick about his wits. The hand me downs Matt was given to wear, growing up, were usually too big, and were half-worn out when he got them. Matt did not mind the clothes as much as he not having someone to tell his thoughts to or to share his day with. Yet, Matt could not help but wish for some blue jeans or T-shirts to be new when he got them, someday.

When he